Leopard Kicks

Yes, fashion sneakers are still in! Thank god, because they are so comfy. I love these because they are simultaneously neutral and fun! Buy at Anthropologie for $180.

First Time Watching The Hills: Part 1

Since moving to LA, I've gotten slightly obsessed with watching & reading anything based in the City of Angels. Good or bad, fiction and reality, I've been consuming it all. So I now find myself watching "The Hills" for the very time in my mid-thirties...

Season 1
Wow, this is what Heidi originally looked like, huh? I remember when she debuted herself after her crazy day of plastic surgeries - she looked so plastic! It's sad that she felt like she had to get anything done, she's actually pretty cute.

And annoying as hell. She seriously is just going to show up while Lauren is working and ask to be let in? Speaking of, it's really frustrating that these girls have all these amazing opportunities just because they're on TV. And Heidi's realization that she actually has to do work is equal parts hilarious and makes me want to punch her in the face. But it does seem like Whitney earned her place as an intern, so I like her. And I'm glad she got to go to Paris when Lauren made the stupidest decision ever.

Audrina, on the other hand, feels like generic hot body thrown in to add in a brunette to the mix. Is this the closest they get to diversity? Really? I get that Laguna Beach (which I haven't seen) was a super white neighborhood, but we're in LA now. Let's make some black, hispanic, and asian friends, k?

Season 2

Ah, here's the infamous Spencer, already living up to his skeevy reputation by trying to date both Heidi and Audrina at once. It's funny, I know exactly how this all turns out thanks to The Soup and various gossip blogs, yet it's fascinating to watch it drawn out like this. Like a slo-mo accident.

Oooo, Brody Jenner! He's on Keeping Up With the Kardashians now, hahah. Yes, I watched that too, it was fun. But it's sad he hooked up with that Jen girl... I'm surprised Heidi was all for it and then pretended she had nothing to do with it. But we all know that she's pretty much doing whatever Spencer tells her now. You know, I don't super mind that she gave him a second chance, but he obviously thinks Lauren is going to break them up and is on the offensive. You'd think he would have tried a little harder to get back on her good side instead. Spencer comes off as a seriously manipulative jerk with crazy eyes.

Season 3
Hmm, apparently there was a rumored sex tape with Lauren and her ex, whats his name? And Heidi and Spencer probably started it? I never knew that, I just assumed it was just a general falling out between Spencer and Lauren, not that he acted that maliciously. Though I did Google it, and apparently now he again denies starting the rumors. Who knows..

And what's up with these girls dating idiots? Oh yeah, they're 21... I'm sure I dated my fair share of jerks when I was that young, but I specifically remember never chasing after a guy who wasn't committed. Audrina, you deserve better than Justin Bobby!! These girls are all surprisingly insecure... though I imagine a troubled relationship is key for getting more show time.

Wait a second.. it took me a few episodes, but yes, it appears Heidi has a new nose! I love how it's never mentioned. It looks good, but I think I liked her better before. It is nice to see her stand up to Spencer, though I already know it's not going to last..

Lord help me, this season never seems to end. Whitney (AKA the Likeable One) is doing well, now working for Kelly Cutrone! I remember meeting Kelly at NY Fashion Week, People's Revolution shows always had the best swag bags. Did she and Lauren get this gig because they're on TV? Of course, Kelly knows the type of publicity it's going to bring to her clients. But I have to admit, I do think both of them are hard workers.

Ugh, three more seasons? Ok, this is pretty addictive, even though this show is absolutely about nothing. Hmm, it's not the likeable people or the plot, maybe it's the "can't looking away from accident" syndrome. I'll have to think about it.

Rose Plaid Blouse

I'm really into plaid blouses for fall - pretty specific, I know. But I like the idea of a flannel remade into a more girly incarnation, like silk! This blouse is particularly pretty and versatile, and will cost you $128 at Piperlime.

Dior Gel Coat

I have officially found the best top coat polish in existence!! I was perusing the luxe beauty boutique, Violet Grey, looking for a new eyelash curler, when I overheard some girls talking about how amazing this polish was. I decided to give it a go and it actually lives up to its name! My nails do have a gel manicure feel to them now and easily last a week with no chipping! Definitely worth $25.

Rose All Day Sweatshirt

While a lot of people have been rocking the Don't Worry Be Yoncé slogan around, I'm a little more into this great Rosé All Day sweatshirt! Both are pretty awesome, but are a pricy $100 at Nasty Gal. Sweatshirts should be $50 max, don't you think??

Fitness Apparel: Carbon38

Since moving to LA, I've started going to the Venice Beach Gold's Gym. This is THE original Gold's Gym, the one that was featuring in the movie "Pumping Iron" and Arnold Schwarzenegger went to! Next to Muscle Beach, the men and women there are just crazy - perfectly tan and toned. The women especially can be intimidating, with a mix of female body builders and makeup wearing wanna be actresses.

I know I'm not out of shape and have been called a gym rat more than once in my life... but it's still a little disheartening to hit the gym lately! The cure? New workout clothes of course!

I'm not sure how I came across this athletic wear store, Carbon38, Facebook ad maybe? But I am totally in love with their super cute printed leggings and cool girl tops and I must have it all! Prices could be a bit better though... sigh.

Lace Up Over the Knee Boots

I haven't blogged in MONTHS so you know it takes something very special to get me to post! These lace up over the knee boots totally fit the bill. Not only are they perfect for fall, they're a totally reasonable $89 at Pixie Market! You know they will sell out so allow yourself this impulse buy today.

My Style Challenge: LA Style

I know, I'm being lazy and just occasionally posting an outfit. But mayhaps we'll be seeing my style slowly change as I get all West Coastie!

So how does west coast style differ from east? Well, it's certainly brighter and more flowy. Even the grungers rock loose flannels or shredded, oversized tees. It's pretty much constantly Coachella here in LA.

While I don't really consider myself festival style, I can rock a glam watercolor dress and call it close enough! Dress and belt from Anthropologie, Hollywould for Target clutch, I can't remember where my shoes are from, and a ring bracelet from Scoop NYC.

Ring bracelets are definitely my "thing." Kinda like Regina George and hoop earrings.

PS Yes my arm muscles are almost cartoon-like...

My Style Challenge: New Kicks

I've remained steadfast again wearing Birekenstocks as fashion (though I actually have no issue with the shoes themselves). However, I have recently cracked and bought myself some ridiculously expensive sneakers that aren't for the gym!! I have to look LA now that I'm all SoCal!

I'm a fan of wearing sneakers with casual skirts. I actually had to buy this outfit when someone spilled pasta on my dress at work - not bad for running across the street to a little Venice boardwalk shop!

I'm wearing: LA Made tank, Vans skirt, Yes Style cardigan, Prada sneakers, Tom Ford sunnies and H&M belt. Jewelry includes a necklace from a tiny boutique in Wilmington and a McQ by Alexander McQueen bracelet from the Net-A-Porter sale.

To go along with my new LA life is a micro tattoo I got on a whim!! It's a heart emoticon as a cheeky nod to my digital life. Also you get a better look at my fun razor bracelet.

I usually don't wear sneakers much, but these have been a huge exception! 

Cohabitation

So I've been MIA since I moved to Los Angeles. It's been pretty crazy, but things are finally settling down and I'd like to pick blogging back up because I miss you all!

LA has been pretty amazing, I've been working hard, making new friends, exploring the city, and living with my amazing Comic-Con Guy. I know it's a little crazy for us to go from living across the country to living in a house together, but we had been dating for 8 months!

And now we're coming up on a year and things could no possibly be better. Sure I pout when he works weekends (if you forgot, he's a sous chef), and I'm sure he's exhausted by how I've taken over the closet... guest room closet... all the closets!!! But I have never been in such a happy, well-rounded relationship before. I must say it's really amazing, though there's isn't much to blog about!!

But in case you were worried about me, my life is overall fabulous! Hopefully I'll be back in a more consistent basis though.

Sock Free Saviors

So I come back to my blog after weeks... to write about shoe liners? That's right!! I got these babies at ShopBop because I have gross sweaty feet and it feels gross in my Toms. Well now I'm going to have to get five more pairs as these are currently living in my new leather sneakers! They're washable, anti-microbial, and just $19!

Heading to Los Angeles!

It's official! I am moving full time to the City of Angels next month! So much excitement, no more snow!! I'm completely broke from all the moving expenses coming up... but I can at least dream about a perfect LA wardrobe, yes?

My Style Challenge: Loving Life

I know I've been MIA lately, but I'm back! Things have been so crazy, but in a pretty fabulous way... I can't wait to share my news with all of you! Until then, here's a fun look I threw together for winter to spring transitioning!

DC weather has been pretty crazy with near 70 degrees one day and then snow the next! Time for chic sweatshirts with cute printed skirts and tights, don't you think?? I love this top I recently bought, it says "She loved life and it loved her right back."

I'm wearing: Project Social T sweatshirt and printed skater skirt both from Nordstrom (Juniors department!!), Nine West heels, Jill Stuart purse, Madewell hat, Dauphines of New York headband worn as necklace from ShopBop.

I'm loving life and it's loving me right back!!

Rebounds

First Kiss and I have stayed friends, and I frequently hang out with his group on weekends still. Since Comic-Con Guy is in LA, I have lots of free time to spend with friends!! However, First Kiss is a bit... macho, so I've only mentioned my new boyfriend to him perhaps once or twice before. He seemed totally cool with it, so last weekend I brought up that we are planning to move in together this summer.

Well that did not sit well with him. He immediately called into question how long our relationship would last. Of course that riled me up, so I informed him that he and I had every intention of getting engaged after we moved in together. His response? "Rebound."

He immediately apologized after seeing the apocalyptic look in my eyes. He then went on to say he was actually the rebound from my divorce. This annoyed me almost as much. As I've mentioned, sometimes I'm a Relationship Quantum Leaper. But why can't my relationships just be, why do I feel like I have to defend their validity?

I began to wonder what the phrase rebound actually meant. I think a lot of people feel like it simply means a relationship quickly following another with the implication that the new relationship makes you feel better about yourself. Personally, I disagree.

I think there is nothing wrong with dating someone quickly after another relationship ends. Everyone talks about how you need to take time. But that's a very individual process that's different for everyone. And for some people (like me) it can be a very short amount of time. Secondly, EVERY relationship makes you feel good about yourself in the beginning. So a rebound needs to be more than just a new romance that makes you happy soon after a recent break-up.

I actually spoke with Comic-Con Guy about this and we came up with a different take on the rebound. We defined it as starting a new relationship with someone you wouldn't date otherwise for the main purpose of feeling better about yourself.

With that definition, I'm happy to report that I don't consider any of my relationships rebounds! Hook-ups on the other hand...

Fries Cell Phone Case

Did I really like Jeremy Scott's first collection for Moschino? Not really... I'm not big on shock value without real wearability. However, I do really like the idea of having a ridicules cell phone case you paid too much for! Buy this at Moschino for $85.

Linen Wide Legged Pants

OK, I know it's not really spring yet, and that the temperatures are gonna drop back down again, but the weekend was simply fabulous! I'm so ready for springtime, and these pants are perfect for it! Buy at Anthropologie for $118.

My Style Challenge: Be My Valentine

I had such am amazing Valentine's Day: ComicCon Guy flew in to see me! Even though we spent most of Thursday snowed in, our determined butts drove 60 miles out west from DC to one of the top restaurants in the country, The Inn at Little Washington.

Now I haven't celebrated a Valentine's Day in a long time. I had been going to NY Fashion Week for years, which falls during the holiday. And once I decided to stop attending, First Kiss wasn't exactly interested in doing anything special... So my first Valentine's Day with ComicCon Guy was a big deal! So of course I had to go all fancy style.

Yes, tutus in the snow are totally practical! I'm wearing: Tutu from Etsy shop Sweet Pea and Buttercup, pink tank from United Colors of Benetton, ASOS blazer, McQ Alexander McQueen coat, Nine West heels, Jessica Simpson hat, necklace from Nicole Miller, Marc by Marc Jacobs ring, spike bracelet courtesy of Stella & Dot, purse from a beauty event.

The Inn at Little Washington is pretty pricey, but so worth it!! They start you off with some popcorn dusted with truffles, and just bring you out random treats as you go! Here was my dessert... YUM.

White Party Dresses

So my darling friend Brandy is going to a cocktail party on a yacht in Miami and needs a white dress. But it's winter up here in the DC region and nary a warm party dress to be found!After dying of jealousy, I found a few options for her:

More French Connection...

My Style Challenge: 2013 in Review

I forgot to do my year in review of my outfits!!

Aww, look at my short red hair!

I love this neon dress!

These two looks are proof I can layer when I put my mind to it!

Red ombre hair time!

Oh summer months, how I miss you!

When I am single I break out "the girls" ;)

Aww, one of my favorite looks is my white dress

So that's most of my looks in 2013! Looks like the winner of the year was my vintage Levi's jean jacket from a thrift shop in CA! Check out 2012, 2011, and 2010 Part One and 2010 Part Two. I think I've definitely improved since 2010, but I'm not sure what fashion challenges I have left to tackle... any ideas?